The ‘Best of the Best’ just got better!

September 19, 2013

KAANAPALI - James M. Harris is celebrating 29 years with Whalers Realty Inc. So, if it's a seasoned agent you're looking for, you don't have to look any further.

Jim and his wife, Mischelle Lawrence, have been residents of Maui for 40 years. Over those 40 years, they have seen a lot of changes and been involved with many of the new developments within the Kaanapali Resort area.

Jim and Mischelle were among the original selling agents at Kaanapali Hillside Phase I, known as Eminence, where Hawaii architects had an opportunity to design the original homes. Phase II of Kaanapali Hillside was sold as quarter-acre home sites. Once Phase II of Kaanapali Hillside was sold out, Mischelle continued to work for the developer, Obayashi, and was an original selling agent at The Masters at Kaanapali Hillside.

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James Harris is celebrating 29 years with Whalers Realty Inc.

James went on to deal in more resort-type properties, such as Papakea Beach Resort, Kaanapali Shores, The Whaler at Kaanapali Beach and Kaanapali Alii, just to name a few.

"It's true we've seen many of the most popular resort properties as well as residential neighborhoods be developed on the West Side of the island," according to James. "We were the original sales managers at our now home, The Vintage at Kaanapali. The idea of a freestanding condominium home was exciting and a new type of condominium living, with features such as a two-car garage, central air-conditioning and a variety of four floor plans. Single-story and two-story together with a community recreation area and walking trails.

"We really didn't think it could get much better. But it did, as the developer decided to move up the hill off the golf course to what is now known as The Summit at Kaanapali. This property not only consists of freestanding condominium homes, but many also have private pools included and unbelievable views. The south half of the property known as The Summit Estates was sold as quarter-acre building sites, where many beautiful custom homes have been built."

There are currently properties listed in all of the above-mentioned developments and are very easy to view, if you are working with seasoned agents like Jim Harris and Mischelle Lawrence. If you are a seller, it is important to have somebody who has closed many transactions, worked with the HARPTA and FIRPTA laws, as well as sellers' real property disclosures - a law that sellers provide to buyers. These are just a few items sellers will have to deal with in selling a property.

If you are considering making a purchase on Maui, one would only want to work with the most experienced broker - somebody who has been in the business full-time for a very long time and understands all that has to do with a purchase on Maui, from the beginning negotiations through the escrow period to closing. After all, it's likely one of the largest purchases you will ever make in your life.

"Jim and I have discussed many times how people will often research their car mechanic more than they would even consider searching out a professional realtor. Often times, people just walk into an open house, where maybe there's a new agent that's been in the field for a short time, and put their trust in them. We know everyone has to start somewhere in the field that they choose to follow, but given the choice, I would want to work with somebody who has been doing it for nearly half of their life," Mischelle said.

"Not only have we seen West Maui, Kaanapali, Kapalua and Kahana grow, but we are now involved with other newer properties, such as Lanikeha in Kaanapali and Olowalu Mauka in Olowalu Town."

Olowalu Mauka is a pristine area where the alii (royalty) of Maui lived in the past. This is a perfect location for those who want access to all of the island easily - a ten-minute drive to Lahaina Town, and a 20-minute drive to Kihei and the Kahului and Wailuku area.

This agricultural development has it all: incredible sunset views over the neighbor islands with the backdrop of the spectacular West Maui Mountains.

Currently for sale, 80 Kalai Place is arguably one of the best lots in this subdivision. With incredible privacy (the river bed valley flanks it to the north, and the West Maui Mountains in the back will not allow anybody to build close to you), this two-bedroom, two-bath residence located on nearly two acres is available for sale at $1.4 million.

This is incredible value. The person who buys it will certainly feel like alii as he or she sits in the additional structure of what is referred to as a long house in Polynesia (an open-air structure with a palm frond roof made with ohia trees from the surrounding area).

This property is very easy to view. If a taste of old Hawaii is what you're looking for, look no further. So forget the rest and go with the best: James M. Harris Inc., Realtor/Principal Broker, and Mischelle M. Lawrence, R(S). For any of your real estate needs, whether you are a first-time buyer, seasoned investment buyer or thinking of selling, we would love to help you. Please contact us direct at (808) 280-1640 (cell), toll-free at (877) Jim-Maui (546-6284) or feel free to e-mail JimMaui@Maui.net.